Harry was lying face down on the table wondering if his father-in-law was trying to kill him though nothing would ever match the butt-clenchingly painful 'family talk' that they had the other night on their return from London. It was so bad Harry was seriously considering jumping off the balcony to escape.
The elves had joined them as they knew more about magical bonds than the rest of the family put together, the trouble really kicked off when Sophie announced that because of their bond Harry and Hermione would have to sleep in the same bed. This resulted in a joint talk about sex, hormones and differences in their growing bodies by his in-laws while sitting next to his wife which, even in the world of Harry Potter was bizarre. If you could actually die of embarrassment then Voldemort would be saved a job.
Emma and Hermione entered after their aerobics session and he received a kiss from his wife before she headed for the shower, Emma picked up the lotion that Sophie prepared and began massaging it into his aching muscles.
Harry groaned in relief as Emma shook her head, "Harry I'm going to be having words with Dan, he's pushing you too hard and could end up doing damage."
"Mum I need to push; Voldemort and his supporters won't take it easy on me just because I'm not ready. My body's used to punishment as I had ten years of it at the Dursleys; here I get a proper diet, a kiss from my wife and you to massage my aching muscles so I've never had it so good. We're trying to get our fitness levels up before classes actually start; all we've got on today is spending time with Minerva."
"She tells me you're taking lessons in etiquette and decorum, what brought that on?"
"My wife is a lady and I intend to treat her like one, my earlier life consisted of being fed on scraps and if I wasn't quick enough they went in the bin so knowing the proper fork to use was never high up on my agenda. I was sure they used to do it on purpose to see if they could break me, and in my hungrier moments that bin could look pretty inviting but that would mean letting them win and I could never do that."
Emma's fingers dug too deep for a second causing the boy to winch as she was imagining the Dursley's necks in her hands. She calmed herself down by remembering why she'd learned this skill in the first place as Dan picked up injury after injury from his beloved rugby, he enjoyed his gym but it didn't replace the tension released by spending an afternoon legally hitting people. She was enjoying her morning aerobics sessions with Hermione, their daughter had never been the athletic type but was at least listening to them as she started off gently and built herself towards using the gym for the first time in her life.
Harry could actually feel through her fingers what his new mother was thinking; both Grangers had insisted he stop the Mr and Mrs crap now that he was family. Using 'Dan' seemed the best fit at the moment for him and his father-in-law but Emma had immediately insisted he call her mum and Harry couldn't help but love her for it.
"Mum its ok, I plan on accidently running into the Dursleys one day and introducing the beautiful Lady Potter to them, Petunia will be sick at the thought of missing out on introducing Hermione to her friends." 'And this is my niece the Lady Potter' he said in a credible imitation of Petunia's most pretentious tone. "Vernon might actually lose some weight since Griphook blocked the company issuing him a reference so he could just end up stacking shelves in Tesco's. In my time at the Dursleys I learned a few things about how they tick and this will be punishing them for years to come."
Emma could feel his muscles beginning to relax, thanks to her ministrations and his pleasant thoughts of revenge on his repulsive relatives, "I was pleased Minerva accepted your offer to stay here, I never realised that not only had she given up her job but her home as well."
"Minerva is a great teacher and has so much more to offer other than the transfiguration she's brilliant at, we're learning about magical law, etiquette and deportment in different situations this morning then we're taking her to the Empire State building to spend the afternoon as a muggle. We could swing by the new practice and pick you guys up when you finish?"
Emma was chuckling at the thought of Minerva the muggle and was abut to make a suggestion when realisation hit, "I was about to suggest we could meet and go out to dinner but where are we going to get food as good as Sophie's or a view to match the one we currently enjoy."
Harry replied cheekily, "Well mum I'm just delighted that you like my humble abode here."
This earned Harry a smack to his shorts-clad ass as Emma chuckled, "Well I'll say this for you Lord Potter as hideaways go this one's not too shabby."
-oOoOo-
It was a sombre group who silently sat dressed in black in a large room at Gringotts, Hermione clutching Harry's hand with the Grangers positioned just to their left.
There was another couple present with a pink haired daughter who appeared a few years older than Harry and Hermione though it was the shabbily dressed man in the corner who caught his eye.
Before Harry could say anything the Malfoys made their grand entrance with Amelia Bones trailing in their wake, Harry was delighted when the Malfoys had objected to Dumbledore being present and he'd objected to Fudge because as far as Harry was concerned the minister had an innocent man's blood on his hands so Madam Bones was representing the ministry.
Sirius Black had been killed while attempting to escape from Azkaban and magical Britain was of the opinion that this just proved his guilt; forget that he never had a trial they would sleep better in their beds knowing that the murdering death eater was finally deceased.
Nobody questioned why the extra guards and dementors were suddenly posted to his wing, or why said extra guards were unable to stop the dementors they were supposed to be in control of when Sirius mysteriously found his way out of his cell. As far as the Potters were concerned the whole thing stank worse than a barrel of fish heads on a sunny day.
There were people who didn't want questions asked far less have them answered so the Sirius Black case was well and truly closed and his will reading today would mark the final chapter in his story.
Harry wasn't able to grieve for a man he'd never met and only found out existed a short while ago but was seething with anger at being denied the opportunity to meet the wizard who should have raised him from a toddler except for the incompetence and deliberate manipulations of the ministry of magic.
It became clear why there were so many goblin guards present as Director Ragnok entered the room and occupied the head of the table position, the Black account must be substantial to require the goblin leader's personal attention.
Griphook was at his side before standing up and beginning to read, "I will now read the last Will and Testament of Sirius Orion Black."
'Anyone present who knows me probably can't believe I'm being so responsible but today I held my godson in my arms and swore I would do right by him. James and Lily have given me the greatest honour ever bestowed in naming me Harry's godfather and I already love the little guy like he was my own. Therefore I have no hesitation in bequeathing all land, titles, property and vaults that I posses to Harry James Potter. My only proviso is if I die from exhaustion on honeymoon before changing my will then I want you to look after my new wife kiddo, she's going to be devastated at losing such a hansom man and wonderful lover. We've all got to go sometime and this would be my preferred method.'
The silence when Griphook finished speaking only lasted a few seconds before Malfoy senior exploded, "How can the Black title, lands and gold go to this half-blood mongrel, the Blacks were great believers in pure blood supremacy so my son should have inherited by blood. I demand the will be changed to prevent the dishonour of Potter and his filthy mudblood whore inheriting…"
Dan Granger didn't know what a 'mudblood' was but he was well aware of the words this arsehole had bracketed it with and to use them in reference to his daughter was going to cost him. Since Kings Cross station Dan had felt as if his little princess was slipping away from him and he couldn't even get angry at Harry who treated Hermione like the lady she apparently now was, but this blond prick was going to experience a lot of pent-up Granger aggression that no amount of gym work seemed to shift.
For the second time in as many weeks Lucius Malfoy's face suffered because his mouth insulted someone's daughter only this wasn't middle-aged with paunch Arthur Weasley behind the punch, this was a very fit and well built Dan Granger who knew how to throw a punch.
Malfoy was on the deck with a broken jaw before he even realised Dan had moved but he soon found out the muggle wasn't finished as he sprang on him and continued to pummel his now less than aristocratic features.
Draco was drawing his wand to aid his father when Harry reached across, grabbed him by his blond locks and smashed his face down into the table while his mother now had a reason for her nose being up in the air. There was a Vinewood wand directly under it being held as steady as a rock by Lady Potter; Mrs Malfoy showed a lot more control than the male members of her family by remaining completely still.
The goblins could hardly contain their glee at the pureblood wizards getting their arses kicked but eventually they helped Dan off the pulverised Malfoy though one of them rather clumsily managed to stand on the blond wizard's cane and snapped his wand. Poor Lucius really had no idea how to deal with a punch to the face, as if getting hit by Arthur Weasley wasn't bad enough he'd now been beat-up by a muggle and totally lost the plot.
"We will keep you alive only long enough to watch you're wife and daughter being raped to death."
It took every goblin present to restrain Dan and Harry but they had forgot about Emma, she took two steps before lashing out with all her might and her instep connected perfectly with Malfoy's groin. He wouldn't be raping anyone for a long time while the unmistakable noise generated from the impact brought every male in the room up short, Harry approached Ragnok and bowed.
"Director Ragnok I apologise for you having to witness that but I will not apologise for the reaction of my family, too many of these purebloods think they can say whatever they like with impunity well not where my family's involved. Anyone using words like that in connection with my family are going to find the wrath of house Potter visited upon them."
Hermione lowered her wand but kept it in her hand while allowing Mrs Malfoy to tend to her dazed and bloodied son, nobody bothered with her bleeding husband as he lay groaning on the floor.
Lucius Malfoy was in a terrible rage, it was bad enough loosing to a blood traitor but now he had been painfully and publically thrashed by a muggle and his wife, he should have been ruling the country by now instead of lying bleeding on the goblin's floor while holding his crushed nuts. Pain, rage and a kick in the stones are not good companions of clear thought and careful planning so when his anger sought and found a target Lucius locked on.
Harry Potter had ruined his dreams of serving at his master's side and cost him a fortune in bribes when he defeated the Dark Lord as a baby, now the news was that he had repeated the feat at Hogwarts before the holidays. Lucius was taking a massive gamble with his plan and couldn't afford any slip-ups so Harry Potter was going to have to die.
As carefully as he possibly could the death eater slid the blade from the special concealed holster in his boot and lunged at the brat while he was distracted talking to the goblin.
Hermione had been watching Malfoy senior because if he was in any way similar to his son then he would make a try at revenge, when she saw him attempt to attack Harry the young witch fired the tripping hex at him.
Lucius landed short of his target but the dagger had cut his hand when he fell, it was barely more than a scratch except the horror reflected on his face told a different story altogether. Seconds later he was screaming in agony though it was thankfully short lived as the poison was rapidly coursing through his body and stopped all brain functions less than a minute later, he was a dead man the second that poison entered his body.
The whole room had watched the tableau play out in front of them as Harry held a crying Hermione in his arms, "It was only a tripping jinx!" she kept repeating.
Amelia spoke in her official capacity as head of the DMLE, "Lord Potter, I had the privilege of speaking with your godfather and he was immensely proud of you, he had the newspaper that featured your bonding on his person when he died. There is not one shred of doubt in my mind that he had no intentions of changing his will. As to the matter of Mr Malfoy the whole room heard Lady Potter cast the tripping hex as a defensive measure to protect her husband and only a poisoned blade could have caused that reaction. Had he even scratched either of you with that dagger nothing could have prevented your death, there will be no charges resulting from these actions."
Director Ragnok decided it was time he took part in these proceedings; he should be able to get one over on the purebloods as well. "Madam Bones I hate to disagree but we must allow the law to run its course here, Mr Malfoy attempted to murder a head of two noble and ancient families, a deed which his family stood to benefit greatly from. There can be no doubt of the attempt nor what the law states on the matter."
Emma watched from Dan's arms as the body was removed and the dagger retained by the goblins as evidence to be produced at a trial if necessary. Part of her was thinking that no one should have to die like that but by far her greatest emotion wanted her to go over and have one last kick at the bastard who'd threatened her and Hermione with rape before trying to murder her children. Who were these animals who could do that to a child? She now understood Harry's drive as that man's eyes had been filled with hatred towards her son-in-law before his wife had saved his life again, no wonder they were so close having killed to protect each other before they even made it to their teens. She had a feeling that Harry was about to have even more responsibility thrust upon him.
"Everything that the Malfoy family had, including all family members now belongs to Lord Potter-Black," announced Ragnok.
Both remaining Malfoy's were deathly pale at that news but the Potters decided to let them stew for a few minutes. Harry was trying to work out what Ragnok's words would mean to them when his eye was caught with a most unusual sight, the girl with the pink hair was now the proud owner of green hair though it was rapidly turning purple.
"Could somebody please handle the introductions here?" Harry asked.
Amelia gave a sheepish grin, "Sorry my Lord, this is my fault. When I spoke to Sirius the only people other than yourself he asked after were his cousin Andromeda and one of his best friends Remus Lupin. I asked them here today to met you and hear about Sirius."
Through their bond both Harry and Hermione were developing a keen sense of when someone was lying or trying to manipulate them and their bullshit detector was going off in their heads at deafening volume. Their best guess at the moment was Madam Bones trying to create some ties to good old Blighty for them because currently they could care less if they never set foot in the country again.
"My Lord I'm Andromeda Tonks, this is my husband Ted and our daughter Nymphadora, she's a metamorphmagus and loses a bit of control when excited. Sirius was my favourite cousin because neither of us believed the pureblood bullshit that our family supported; I was cast out of the Black family for marrying Ted instead of who they chose for me, the fact that he's a muggle born means I've had no contact with my family for nearly twenty years. Cissi here is my sister yet hasn't even acknowledged me though we're currently only sitting a few seats apart."
"Mrs Tonks I have nothing but admiration for a woman with the courage to follow her convictions, I also happen to think that muggle borns make the best spouses." Harry joked as he kissed his still trembling wife. "My first action as new head of the Black family will be to bring you and your family back into the fold."
Harry's attention turned to the shabbily dressed individual who'd been introduced as Remus, "Hi Harry, you won't remember me as you were little more than a toddler the last time we met but I was good friends with both your parents and Sirius."
Harry's eyes were boring into the man, "Why?" was all he said.
A confused Remus answered, "Sorry Harry, I don't know what you're asking?"
Harry's voice was devoid of emotion as he answered, "Why if you were such good friends with them didn't I hear from you until now? Why am I hearing from you now?"
"It was thought best I have no contact with you…"
Harry cut him off, "Who thought it best? You - My parents - My godfather?"
Remus then said the one name guarented to set Harry off, "Dumbledore said…"
"What the bloody hell was Dumbledore sticking his crooked nose into my business for and why were you letting him? I was eleven before I discovered my parents weren't a couple of no account drunks that died in a car crash, does that sound like your 'good friends' to you? Sirius had a valid excuse for not being part of my life so don't you dare hit me with this 'Dumbledore said' shit."
Remus didn't know what to say, his world had ended that night as well and even though Albus had worded his suggestion carefully there was no doubt an order had just been issued. "I'm sorry Harry but I'm a werewolf and figured that I wouldn't be welcome."
"Were my parents aware of your condition?"
"Of course they were."
"And did it make any difference to them?"
"No."
"Then why did you assume it would make a difference to their son? Its been nice meeting you Mr Lupin but I intend to spend the rest of my life looking forward not back as there's nothing left there for me anymore."
Harry shook the wizards hand before Remus left; he silently promised himself he would get Griphook to assist with finding the man a job while they kept an eye on him. He would get to know Remus Lupin on his own terms and in his own time, not as some ministry sponsored experiment. Now all they had left to deal with was the Malfoys.
"Director Ragnok what are my choices regarding the Malfoys?"
"The moment you sign the paperwork to become Lord Potter-Black their lives become yours to do with as you wish, making an attempt on a Lords life for profit is punishable by death to the perpetrator and their family, this is the oldest law in our land and the name Malfoy will cease to exist."
Harry's gaze locked on the terrified blond Slytherin, "Draco unlike your father or his former master I do not kill children for power or profit but I would end both your lives in a heartbeat to protect my family." His tone of voice more than convinced the remaining Malfoys he was deadly serious. "Ok does anybody have any options for me that doesn't result in these two having to die?"
It was surprisingly Andromeda who made a suggestion, "My Lord as head of the Black family you have the power to dissolve Cissi's marriage making her once more a Black, Draco could be formally adopted into the family but in any case would no longer be a Malfoy. They could stay with us until we get something sorted out."
Narcissi Malfoy had expected to die from the moment her stupid husband had made that ludicrous attack, the arrogant bastard had all the subtlety of a troll when his pride was involved. She would have tried to intervene and prevent this catastrophe but the wand in her face had meant business so she could only watch the train wreck occur. It was a total shock to hear her sister speak on their behalf and maybe they would get to see tomorrow after all. She spoke for the first time that day, "You would do that for us Andi?"
Andromeda spoke as if trying to explain something to a child, "Cissi you are my sister in blood, my family and no decree can change that. You and Bella bought into the bullshit and look what it got you both, our sister is a crazed psycho in Azkaban while we sit here bargaining for you and your child's lives. What happened to those three Black sisters who did everything together?"
Harry was liking this woman more and more as her values seemed to mirror his own, "Ok Mrs Tonks how do we go about this?"
"Well for a start my Lord you can call me Andi, it's all very simple once you become head of the Black family but I would recommend having them take loyalty oaths"
Cissi was on her feet, "I will gladly swear loyalty to the Black Family and its head for me and my son."
"There will be no oaths taken here today and Draco will perform his own oath, if I'm old enough to receive it then he's of age to make one. Listen carefully Draco because the games have stopped and this is now life or death, you go and stay with your aunt for a week and give your future careful consideration. Your father made choices that will see the name Malfoy struck from the records and placed both your lives in my hands, I'm hoping you're going to make better choices."
Draco's first instinct was to scream abuse at Potter but that was his father talking, his invincible father who was dragged out the room like a piece of poisoned meat. He wanted to swear vengeance rather than allegiance but even he could see it was his father's own fault, beaten-up by muggles then killed by a tripping jinx. He'd repeatedly told Draco that he was a disgrace to the Malfoy name because Potter bested him well who was the disgrace now? Draco just nodded agreement to Potter as he didn't trust his mouth not to run away with him and they'd seen the results of that once already today.
With that settled Harry signed the papers, welcomed Andi back into the Black family and dissolved the Malfoy marriage, he thought he was finished for the day when a loud pop announced otherwise.
"Master Harry Potter sir is an even greater wizard than Dobby thought, to defeat former master and take Dobby into your service is Dobby's greatest wish."
The little elf was sobbing as he clung to Harry's left leg before remembering why he was there, "Master Harry and Mistress Mione must not return to Hogwarts, former master is releasing great evil there by really dark magic. People will die but not Harry Potter and his Mione."
"We're not going back to Hogwarts Dobby but can you tell us anymore about this threat?"
The little elf was back to clinging to Harry's leg and sobbing with relief; Harry's eyes asked a question of Narcissi Black.
"I'm sorry my Lord, my former husband used to hatch plots almost weekly to return his beloved dark lord. I'm afraid I stopped listening years ago."
All eyes moved towards Draco and the boy felt this was his first test, should he tell them what little he knew? "Father said something was going to be opened that would result in the purging of Hogwarts of all those not fit to attend, he said last time it was open a student died. That's all I know, he told me to keep my head down and enjoy the show."
Both Potters looked to Amelia to find out what the ministry position on this matter would be.
"The Cannons will win the league before the ministry would shut Hogwarts on the word of a house elf, even if they tried Dumbledore would block them at every turn. We would need more information before we could take any action."
Dobby let go of Harry's leg and ran head-first into the wall, he was about to repeat the experience when Harry grabbed him, "What are you doing?"
"Dobby is punishing himself for not getting enough information, Dobby has to always punish himself when he's been bad or Malfoy's tell me to."
Hermione had fixed the blond pair with a look that could kill while Harry spoke to the misguided little elf, "Dobby you're in our family now and I order you never to punish yourself again, do not take orders from anyone but Hermione or I and if you think you've done something wrong speak to us about it."
The little elf was crying tears of happiness again as Hermione had an idea, "Madam Bones if we gave your department permission to search the former Malfoy mansion for information on this plot would you supervise it? Griphook could go as well to recover any goblin items there and Dobby would identify any hidden rooms or compartments for you both."
Amelia was stunned, getting into Malfoy mansion was almost as difficult as breaking into Gringotts yet her she was being offered carte blanche access with Elvin assistance and goblin back-up, "My Lady I can have a trusted team ready by nine am tomorrow."
A now smiling Dobby popped away to make the house ready.
Harry spoke to Griphook, "We need to have another plan, you know Dumbledore is going to spout his 'Hogwarts safest place in Britain' rubbish so we hit first."
"What are you suggesting my Lord?"
"Let's research this threat, if a student died surely there must be records of that? We need to find out how it happened and if it could be stopped from being repeated, I've suddenly come in to quite a bit of gold and would happily spend it allowing students to attend other schools that are safe. Run stories in the Prophet about the threat and promise financial aid with the extra costs involved if parents wish to send their children overseas to be taught."
Amelia sounded a note of caution, "My Lord the minister might see that as a direct attack on his authority, laws have been changed for less."
"Griphook could we use that pensive of yours again, my wife and I have a few memories we would like to share."
A quick word with Hermione and Amelia removed two silver threads from each of them; everyone then watched Harry's first encounter with Hogwarts new Depute Headmaster, Hermione's adventure with the toilet troll as well as Harry's jinxed broom from her prospective. They finally watched Harry's encounter with Voldemort in the forbidden forest before he spoke, "We left out the encounter with Voldemort at the end of the year as most people in here have already seen it, what do you think the effect would be if we walked into the Prophet offices and provided them with the complete set?"
Had Dan Granger seen those before he met Dumbledore it would have required more than goblins to pull him off the old bastard. He was all in favour of marching straight over to this newspaper and blasting the old coot right out the water. It was one thing to hear your daughter say there was an incident with a troll but another to watch it, the bloody thing was enormous and had swung Harry about like a dish rag.
Ragnok had seen Griphook's memory of viewing the other conflict but these memories were much more impressive, there level of commitment to one another left no doubt in his mind that they would form a full soul bond with the political, financial and magical power behind them to become a force to be reckoned with. Ragnok knew a war was coming and his people looked to him for guidance in leading their nation to safety and prosperity, Voldemort wasn't even a consideration, Dumbledore wasn't much better and the ministry couldn't help itself far less the goblin nation. Ragnok saw in these two the beginnings of another option, if they got time to grow and train then that's who the goblins would be throwing their support behind so they would just have to make sure they got that time.
Amelia could hazard a guess at the outcome of everything she'd seen becoming public knowledge, an angry mob storming the ministry while Snape and Dumbledore would be the first to lose their jobs she'd bet her auror's badge they wouldn't be the last.
Tonks had been quiet all day but there was just no way that was going to last, "Cor you two, we had heard stories but bloody hell that was something else. I saw the broom thing but it was all hushed up, same with the troll, we all know Snape's a bastard but why were you in the forbidden forest at night?"
Harry was struggling not to laugh at some of the expressions the girl's face was morphing into, "We were sent there for a detention." He saw Andi and Ted Tonks exchange glances so dived right in. "Mr and Mrs Tonks, when you rejoined our family I became responsible for your safety, I could not see Nymphadora sent to Hogwarts as I don't consider it safe."
"But I've just sat my OWL's and need NEWT's to become an auror and please call me Tonks, some parents should be shot for inflicting such punishment on their children."
"Well Miss Tonks we are currently arranging private tutors at a secure location and as family we would be delighted if you would join us, just tell us what NEWT's you want to take and it would help us too having somebody older to duel against."
"Wow! How good would duelling Harry Potter look on my application to the auror department?"
Amelia Bones actually smiled, "Miss Tonks having seen images of Lord Potter in action I can say it could only help with your chosen profession."
Harry could see himself getting his arse whipped for a while but a steep learning curve was exactly what he was after and he would need to win against somebody four year older before he was ready to take on the adults. This girl also looked like a lot of fun and it would be important that he and Hermione took time out to live and not bury themselves in work. She was also now family and that gave Harry a nice warm feeling in the pit of his stomach, the Malfoy's fates were pretty much in their own hands and he could only hope the would make the right decisions.
"Madam Bones please take those copies of our memories to assure the minister that our fears are genuine and any stories in the Prophet or elsewhere are not personal. As I stated earlier I will not stand by and watch my family being attacked so, should the issue become personal against my family then retaliation will be swift."
Amelia nodded though with Malfoy gone and Lord Potter now in possession of all his financial records she had a feeling Fudge wouldn't be creating any waves, Dumbledore though would be an entirely different matter.
-oOoOo-
Ginny noticed her hand was bleeding, and then she noticed the knife in her other hand. She was behind the shed her dad kept all his muggle stuff in, it was the middle of the night and she had no idea how she got here.
The real shock came when she realised what she'd been doing there, her Harry's jumper was cut to shreds. The now sobbing girl was making her way back to her bedroom while trying to understand what had happened, her only thought was that she had been sleepwalking and been woken when she accidentally cut her hand.
Ginny was heartbroken at the destruction of her prized possession because she would have forgiven him soon and he could cuddle up to her once more but that was no longer possible.
She had the biggest piece that was left wrapped around her hand to stop her cut bleeding as she lit a candle and reached for her quill and ink, Tom would tell her what to do.